Nigerian journalists have been urged to be fair and balance in their reportage during the upcoming general election in the country.
The National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo gave the call in Lagos South Western Nigeria, during the official commissioning of Remodelled Lagos council NUJ Secretariat.
According to Isiguzo, journalists should ensure they promote development, unity fairness and transparency through their report in order to avoid chaos and anything that will disrupt the smooth running of the elections.
“As we go about the coverage of 2023 general election, let us bear in minds that the future of this country is in our hands. Let us not truncate the unity of Nigeria. Let our news help to deliver credible, transparent, free and fair general election. You are strategic to the delivery of a credible election, please do the right thing. Support us in our mantra of projecting and promoting development journalism,” he beseeched.
The NUJ boss also lauded the philanthropic gesture of the General Overseer of the Love of Christ Generation Church, London, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi who singlehandedly sponsored the building of the Remodelled Lagos council NUJ Secretariat to completion describing it as a dream come true.
According to Isiguzo, the secretariat should be used to train and retrain journalists to keep them abreast with the knowledge they need to excel in their profession.
“We have decided to name the Congress hall of Ladi Lawal Press Center Lagos after our benefactor, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi. We’ll continue to immortalize the contributions you have made to the journalism profession in the country. We indeed appreciate you,” he stated.
On her part, the General Overseer of the Love of Christ Generation Church, London, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi popularly known as Iya Adura urged Nigerians to get their PVC to enable them vote during the general election.
According to her, this is not the time to only pray and fast saying that without PVC, nothing can be done.
”It’s good to pray and fast concerning our country but if you don’t have your PVC, your prayers may not yield the needed result. Don’t just fold your hands and keep saying we don’t know what they’re doing, without your PVC, there’s nothing we can do. Go and get your PVC to enable you vote, enough of sitting and just watching,” she emphasized.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite also reiterated the need for Nigerians to get their PVC and vote with conscience urging them to avoid selling their votes.
“Go and get your PVC and vote with your conscience. Don’t allow intimidation to distract you from voting the candidate of your choice. We need a change in our nation. Use your vote wisely,” he reiterated.
Earlier, the Chairman, NUJ Lagos State Chapter, Adeleye Ajayi solicited the assistance of well-meaning Nigerians to furnish and equip the Remodelled Secretariat applauding the efforts of Mother Esther Ajayi and his predecessors including Mrs. Funke Fadugba and Dr. Qasim Akinreti for making the dream come true.
High points of the event were the unveiling of the newly remodeled Secretariat and recognition award to Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi.
